Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has said that the health department has formulated an action plan to provide better health services in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
As the covid expansion does not change completely, the action plan was formulated with that in mind as well. The government will also focus on the control and prevention of covid and other infectious diseases while ensuring the safety of pilgrims and staff. The Minister said that an action plan has been prepared for the safe Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival as per the Central Government and State-Specific covid Protocol.
All pilgrims and staff must carry a two-dose vaccination certificate and an RTPCR certificate within 72 hours. People with other related ailments and those who have been within 3 months of covid positive should avoid Sabarimala Darshan as much as possible as it may lead to heart problems.
Pilgrims on foot from Pamba to Sannidhanam are at risk of health problems such as excessive heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes even heart attack. The Department of Health will set up emergency treatment centers in these areas to deal effectively with such problems. Emergency medical centers and oxygen parlors will be set up at 5 locations along the journey from Pamba to Sannidhanam. There is a facility for relaxed pilgrims to relax, breathe oxygen, get first aid and check blood pressure. Trained staff nurses will be available 24 hours a day at these centers, including an automated external defibrillator for pilgrims suffering from heart attacks. If you experience any difficulties while traveling, you can seek the services of the Health Department.
Specialist dispensaries will be set up at Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, Charalmedu (Ayyappan Road), and Erumeli. There will also be an emergency operation theater at Sannidhanam. Apart from this, facilities are being provided at Pathanamthitta General Hospital, Erumeli CHC, and Kanjirapally Taluk Headquarters. Kottayam Medical College will provide better facilities for the pilgrims.
The State Health Agency has empaneled government and private hospitals in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts to ensure special treatment for pilgrims. Pilgrims with CASP cards can get free treatment from the government and private hospitals. Those without a card can seek treatment at government hospitals.
Staff, including doctors from different districts, will be deployed here for essential medical services. Specialist doctors in Cardiology, General Medicine, Orthopedics, Pornology, Surgery, and Anesthesia will be available at various centers in Sabarimala.
The director of the health department oversees all the activities at Sabarimala at the state level. The Medical Officer of Pathanamthitta District will act as the Nodal Officer in charge of the District.
